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Underwood Sailors Enjoy Port Visit in Trinidad

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060524-04
Release Date: 5/24/2006 3:00:00 PM

By Journalist Seaman Charles A. Ordoqui, USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

CHAGUARAMAS, Trinidad (NNS) -- USS Underwood (FFG 36) Sailors left Chaguaramas, Trinidad, May 18, following a three-day scheduled port visit.

Sailors participated in several activities, such as playing golf, shopping in the local malls and relaxing.

“It was a great honor to command the first U.S. Navy warship to visit Trinidad in many years,” said Cmdr. Roderick Fraser, commanding officer of Underwood. "The U.S. and Trinidad have had a long history of friendship, with our Navy basing out of Trinidad during the Second World War, as well as many Trinidad citizens serving in the U.S. military.”

Many Sailors took advantage of Trinidad's golf courses by playing rounds of golf at Trinidad’s St. Andrew’s golf course.

“The course was great, and provided an excellent opportunity to get to know the local people," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class (SW) James Harper. “They were really appreciative of what we are doing in the region."

Others visited Trinidad’s beautiful beaches. "Trinidad's majestic mountain ranges and the beautiful open scenery were breathtaking," said Chief Damage Controlman (SW) Ladon K. Washington. "This port visit was like no other."

Sailors also took the opportunity to go shopping in the local malls.

"I had a lot of fun shopping for my family at such great bargain prices,” said Personnelman 2nd Class Homero Segura. “I bet my family can’t wait to see what great deals I got.”

Other Sailors ventured out into the city and experienced firsthand the diversified culture of Trinidad.

"Trinidad’s culture was very interesting. There are so many ethnic groups out there, and they all come together as one," said Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Terrance Brown. "I was so amazed with their history and how they celebrate their freedom."

“We had a truly enjoyable stay, and I hope to return again someday,” said Fraser.

Underwood is operating in the Caribbean Sea as part of the USS George Washington (CVN 73) Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) conducting “Partnership of the Americas,” a training and readiness deployment of U.S. naval forces with countries from the Caribbean and Latin America, in support of U.S. Southern Command objectives for enhanced maritime security.

During “Partnership of the Americas,” Underwood and the other GWCSG assets, George Washington, USS Monterey (CG 61) and USS Stout (DDG 55) operated with various forces while focusing on unconventional threats such as narco-terrorism and human trafficking.